PET DENTISTRY
Small animal dentistry is fast catching up to human dentistry in terms of what can be offered to improve your pet’s dental health.
To properly examine every tooth in a pet’s mouth in the safest and least stressful way for your pet, a general anaesthetic is required. The vet will be thoroughly checking every aspect of every tooth for disease, and some of them are a long way back in the mouth!
Teeth are scaled and polished just like your dentist will do for you, cleaning not only the tartar you can see but also the tartar underneath the gumline that causes disease.
At Northside Vet Care we are fortunate to be able to offer advanced dentistry procedures with the expertise of Dr Kayo, who is currently undertaking further training in dentistry mentored by Dr Tony Caiafa.
All of our vets are happy to perform Free Dental Checks and discuss with you how to keep your pet’s mouth as healthy as possible.
Some Signs of Dental Problems Include:
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Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
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A yellowish-brown crust of plaque/tartar on the teeth near the gum line
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Red and swollen gums
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Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
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Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
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Loose or missing teeth
What Happens During a Cleaning?
Veterinary dentistry is quite different from the equivalent process in people. For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Consequently, a person’s visit to the dentist is relatively brief and does not require sedation. In contrast, veterinary dentistry is considerably more involved, time-consuming and complex. Cleaning a pet’s teeth requires general anaesthesia, and consequently a day of hospitalisation. The skills of several people, from veterinarians to veterinary nurses and animal attendants are required for each dental procedure.
At Northside Vet Care, your pet’s dental cleaning begins with a physical examination. This examination is important for evaluating your pet’s general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an anaesthetic for a safe and painless sleep during the dental cleaning.
The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar. This is done with a hand scaler. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smoothes the teeth under the gumline in the crevice. Then your pet’s teeth are polished and the gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up.
Dental Radiographs
An examination does not always reveal all sources of pain in an animal’s mouth; therefore, we always recommend full dental radiographs during periodontal treatment. A dental radiograph will help to diagnose disease and potential pain that may be occurring under the gums.
Extractions and Surgery
In advanced cases of periodontal disease, oral surgery or tooth extractions are required. The veterinarians at Northside Vet Care perform a wide range of dental procedures.
Prevention: The Best Medicine
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian’s good work at home. Brushing your pet’s teeth is an important part of home dental care. Trained veterinary staff can show you the proper method of brushing your pet’s teeth.